Revere High School has hired new athletic director Tom McKinnon who brings his college level athletic experience to Revere.

McKinnon, a 4 year football letterman at Indiana University, brings years of leadership experience to the Revere athletic department. McKinnon talked about his leadership style and how he hopes to incorporate it at Revere.

“You always want to be that support system with coaches. I’m not a micromanager. I believe in collaborating and cooperating with our coaches, our families and our student athletes. I like to put more of an emphasis on working as a group and you being that authoritative figure leading the charge,” McKinnon said.

Phil King, principal at Revere High School, brought up what made McKinnon stand out during the interview and hiring process.

“[McKinnon] was very qualified, he answered questions very well and his philosophy is aligned with what we want to put forth in the district. I think that’s the most important thing is that his philosophy is in line with what we want to do,” King said.

Before McKinnon came to Revere, he was the athletic director for Waterloo High School. He explained why he decided to come to Revere.

“The main reason was the strong academics that Revere offers, and I feel that Revere is a fantastic community. It is a good place for my children to go to school,” McKinnon said.

While McKinnon was playing football at Indiana University he participated in three bowl games: The Peach Bowl, The Copper Bowl (which is now the Cactus Bowl) and the Independence Bowl. McKinnon feels he understands what it means to have a successful program and what it means to win. He mentioned some of the expectations he has for Revere athletics.

“I have a lot of expectations when it comes to athletics. My number one expectation is whenever we take the field we always do it with integrity and class. Whenever you have the Revere name across your chest you hold yourself the right way. We always have pride in what we do and we are always showing sportsmanship at events. Of course, everyone wants to win but I think holding yourself to a higher standard is always the most important thing,” McKinnon said.

Matthew Montgomery, superintendent for Revere Local Schools, explained what set McKinnon apart from other candidates.

“McKinnon’s vast experience as a teacher, coach, athletic director, dean of students made him an outstanding candidate. Moreover, his personal experience with athletics enables him to truly be a student athlete advocate,” Montgomery said.

McKinnon hopes to improve cooperation and collaboration between the coaches, families and student athletes of Revere athletics. He is excited to be at Revere.